Former local representative appointed to state board

Gov. Mike Parson appointed former Republican Rep. Don Phillips to the state’s Board of Probation and Parole.

Phillips joins a seven-member board tasked with granting the clemency of prisoners via parole or conditional release, as well as providing information to the governor on pardons, commutations of sentence, reprieves or restorations of citizenship. The former representative for District 138 covering Stone County and parts of Christian and Taney counties termed out and was unable to run for re-election this year after first being elected in November 2010, according to a news release.

“Having chaired the committee on crime prevention and public safety, and given his background in law enforcement, Don will bring the experience and knowledge to effectively serve on this board,” Parson said in the release. “His career has been defined by his public service. Don being in this position will be beneficial to strengthening our criminal justice system and improving the lives of all Missourians.”

Prior to running for state representative, Phillips worked 28 years for the Missouri Highway Patrol, retiring at the rank of sergeant.